ALL BETTER NOW

A virus that kills some but leaves those who recover utterly happy and filled with empathy is at the center of this dystopian science-fiction thriller.

In a post-Covid-19 society, the fates of three teens become intertwined when the new Crown Royale virus breaks out. Despite the 4% mortality rate, its positive effects on those who survive quickly make it desirable, and some people purposefully try to catch it. Using third-person narration, Shusterman introduces Mariel Mudroch, who at the story’s opening is living in a car with her mom; Mariel turns out to be immune to the virus. The boy she falls for, Rón Escobedo, is from an extraordinarily wealthy family and has suffered from persistent depression. When he recovers from the virus, he learns that he’s an alpha-spreader, someone who continues shedding the virus even after they’re healthy. Finally, ambitious Morgan Willmon-Wu is approached by the rich and powerful Hungarian-born Dame Havilland, who leaves her money to Morgan, stipulating that she use it to “eradicate Crown Royale from the face of the Earth.” In his trademark darkly witty, wonderfully over-the-top style, the author meanders through interesting ethical questions as the action plays out globally with a cast of diverse background characters, eventually leading to a conclusion that leaves things wide open for a sequel. Mariel presents white, Rón is cued Latine, and Morgan, who’s interested in both girls and boys, is biracial (Chinese and white).

A thought-provoking and grimly enjoyable tale exploring a strange future.